The problem with plastics
The dangers of synthetic materials
What’s Hiding in Your Synthetic Clothing?
Synthetic materials like polyester are made from petroleum, releasing harmful chemicals like BPA. These materials can lead to:
- Skin irritation and discomfort
- Endocrine disruption linked to infertility, obesity, and cancer
- Reduced breathability, trapping toxins and affecting performance
"Synthetic materials are highly toxic and are increasing the negative effects on our health. Synthetic fabrics also pose a serious threat to ecological balance."
Singh, Z., & Bhalla, S. (2017). Toxicity of Synthetic Fibres & Health. Advanced Research in Textile Engineering, 2(1), 1012. ISSN: 2572-9373
So what's the Solution?
An ancient solution for modern problems
HEMP TEXTILES
preffered by warriors
PURITY IN TRADITION
HEMP'S SACRED HISTORY
Long before hemp was known as a durable textile, it was revered as something sacred. In Japan’s spiritual tradition of Shinto—hemp symbolized purity, protection, and harmony with nature. Hemp was believed to cleanse what it touched and shield against impurity, both physical and spiritual. There is much wisdom and truth in these ancient intuitive beliefs.
Hemp fabric was used for early Judo uniforms designed by Jigoro Kano, inspired by durable Japanese firefighters' jackets. The Samurai also wore hemp garments under their armor.
Though hemp textiles themselves have existed for millennia, Datsusara pioneered the use of pure hemp fabric for modern Jiu Jitsu uniforms (gis or kimonos) beginning in 2008. Hemp is prized for these uniforms because of its exceptional strength, long-lasting durability, and natural resistance to microbial growth. Datsusara was established in 2007 and first introduced hemp-based duffle bags for MMA, which were the first of their kind globally.
Naturally Superior
Hemp is the world's strongest natural fiber. It also blends well with other natural fibers like cotton to make extremely durable and versatile hybrid fabrics.
Hemp is naturally antimicrobial. Hemp fibers contain compounds that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. This helps prevent odor-causing microbes from thriving in the fabric while also fighting pathogenic bacteria like staphylococcus.
Hemp fabrics are breathable. Hemp fibers are naturally hollow and porous, allowing air to circulate through the fabric easily. Hemp is highly absorbent and can hold up to 20% of its weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. It wicks sweat away from your skin and releases it into the air quickly, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.
Hemp clothing regulates temperature: The combination of air circulation and moisture wicking means hemp clothing keeps you cool in hot weather by allowing heat and perspiration to escape, while also providing some insulation in cooler conditions.
Clean Soil
Hemp does not deplete soil like other industrial crops. It can actually clean soil of toxins and other impurities such as excess phosphorous and even radiation.
Hemp Crops require little or no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides or synthetic fertilizers.
Hemp is an excellent plant for cleaning polluted soil and restoring land, through a process called phytoremediation, making it a natural ally in environmental cleanup projects.
Hemp can produce 4x more fiber than cotton using the same amount of land and it only takes 4 months to mature making it one of the fastest growing crops.
Hemp Gear for Victory!
Choosing products crafted from natural materials, hemp in particular, safeguards your health and the environment. Natural fibers provide a secure, sustainable, and effective option.
Natural textiles feel divine, the hippies had a point there. Thanks to Datsusara, you can bypass the patchouli oil and unflattering burlap sack attire while still embracing the luxury.
We aim for natural purity, but we are pragmatic, major material improvements are better than sticking with the status quo. We do use synthetic materials when it's critical to a product's lifecycle or function. Such is the case with many of our modern, feature rich bags that are designed to last over a decade. In our apparel, where exposure to toxins is a more present danger, most all are 100% natural and the few that are not contain less than 5% synthetics.
Ultimately Datsusara is committed providing you with the highest quality gear — as much as possible it will be non-toxic and sustainable.
"I’m a conservationist, not an environmentalist.
The Difference?
Environmentalism is a human-hating ideology. Conservation is a nature-loving activity." - Alice Smith